Health Science (BS) Program

Program Overview

The Health Science major offers students a solid academic and experiential foundation that positions them well to pursue graduate and professional school training in the following programs:

Medicine

Dentistry

Veterinary Medicine

Public Health

Physician Assistant Studies

Social Work

The Health Science major is also designed for students who are seeking a strong foundation for a career in health administration and in community-based health promotion and public health.

Emphasis on experiential and contextual learning

Focus on healthcare through a public health lens

Designed to provide pre-med preparation

Curriculum

The Health Science major is modeled on an integrated curriculum that includes foundational courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the liberal arts, as well as application-based coursework on public health and healthcare.

Natural sciences and quantitative reasoning

Social and behavioral sciences

Global Perspectives on Discrimination & Health

Moral and Social Problems in Healthcare

Foundations of Psychology

Students will take courses that introduce them to the United States healthcare system and beyond so they can develop a deep understanding of health policy and administration, quality-of-care improvement, and evidence-based healthcare.

The American Healthcare System

Community and Public Health

Communication Skills for the Health Professions

Health Education and Program Planning

Healthcare Policy and Administration

Students will take courses that provide them with a strong foundation in research methods and prehealth preparation.

Students interested in graduate school in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and physician assistant studies may opt to follow a prehealth focus, which includes courses required for medical school. Please visit the PreHealth Advising website for course requirements.

Complete at least three courses from the groups listed below. At least two must be in one category and at least at the 2000 level or higher.

Society and Health

Policy and Administration

Physical Activity and Nutrition

Digital Health

Research

Students in our Health Science major learn the value of working as members of a health care team in the class setting as well as on Co-op. Our Co-op positions allow students to learn and recognize the importance of professional behaviors both in the classroom and in the workplace.

Students have the option to complete the program in four or five years, with or without a Co-op experience. Sample curricular plans can be found on the Student Services Curricula page.

During their senior year, students participate in a Capstone Project intended to broaden and integrate the knowledge, skills, and experience gained from their particular program of study. Students have partnered with institutions both on campus and within the greater Boston area for their Capstone Projects including:

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Northeastern University’s Institute on Urban Health Research

Harvard Medical School

The major also includes a significant number of electives that enable students to pursue their particular interests or a minor. Through our interdisciplinary partnerships with other colleges of the university, students may also choose to supplement their health sciences foundation with courses in:

Engineering

Human Services

Psychology

Business

International Affairs

Curriculum is subject to change. For descriptions of the courses included in the Health Science major, please click here.

Accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health.

Dialogue of Civilizations: Comparative Healthcare Systems and Communications in London

Student Groups

Health Science students are actively involved on campus and in the community. Our student groups provide the opportunity to build upon your education, enhance your experience, and get to know other students both within and outside the Health Science major. Click each icon or item for more information.